Israel Invades America (This is a Good Thing)

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Big name Israeli designers have been taking America by storm for quite a while. Think Yigal Azrouel, Idit jewelry and Ronen Chen. They're worn by both the plebes and celebs alike; but it's the small, independent designers that are really making waves. Enter Tali Kogan, an Israeli herself, and champion of those small lines. She owns Tel Aviv Couture which she runs out of her Gold Coast high rise apartment, and is the exclusive seller in the US for all of the lines.

Tali Kogan had the idea for Tel Aviv Couture while helping out her best friend, an Israeli fashion designer. She's an accountant by trade, but always had a hankering to do something to show her love for Israel, her home country. She decided to open Tel Aviv Couture to help Israeli designers gain exposure because the fashion market is so tough there. And so far, it's been a fruitful endeavor.

Tali not only runs TAC out of her home, but she also sells pieces out of Oak street boutique, Dreidels and More. If you can't get to Oak street for whatever reason, Tel Aviv Couture has a new e-commerce site to satiate your fashion needs. Though you can't purchase a full collection from each designer, you can get very special pieces, but the lines are so exclusive that she may only get one size of each. Some of the lines she carries include, Persy, a designer she recently just procured. He's one of the top, if not the top, designers in Israel, and his drapey, tailored pieces are edgy and akin to Rick Owens. Persy did stints for John Galliano, Christian Dior and Lanvin before launching his own label; Ciporkin launched her own label a year ago, and Inbal Guili used to work for Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. Neta Livne, a jewelry designer, works with Swarovski crystals almost exclusively; Norit Amy works with gold and wood.

Another great thing about shopping from Tel Aviv Couture is that the price points are very reasonable for the quality of artwork, er, clothing that you'd purchase. Both jewelry and clothing items range in price from $60-$400. In addition to selling clothing and jewelry, Kogan offers full personal styling advice from hairstyles to accompany the avant garde clothes she sells, to shoes that will complete your ensemble. Private styling parties are also a part of her services. At the parties, she previews new trends and recommends certain pieces for the season or for specific body shapes. Essentially, she lets her clients play "dress up." She also holds trunk shows every other month, so at some point, you need to book an appointment with Tali. If you do, you're bound to sparkle like the Dome of the Rock.
· Tel Aviv Couture [Official Site]